[Wahlburgers Facebook Page]
Everyone's favourite New Kid, his pants-dropping brother and (who knew) a third Wahlberg are expanding their burger empire into Toronto and it's called, what else, Wahlburgers. Donnie, Mark and chef Paul started the American chain in 2011 but due to a "strong connection to Toronto" and an appreciation of the vibrant food culture here, they're expanding northward. The first (of what is expected to be many) Wahlburgers opens Spring 2014 in the Soho Metropolitan Hotel .
Wahlburgers Toronto will be the second location of the Wahlberg brothers' burger chain, the first being in the Boston area. The three men were in the city last week, during the TIFF celeb craze, to promote the restaurant, which won't be opening until early next year. The restaurant will house a sports bar, dining area and QSR station within the 92-room luxury hotel in Toronto's Entertainment District. Chef Paul plans to source local ingredients wherever possible, but the gist of the resto is comfort food.
Some of the items on Wahlburgers' Hingham, Massachusetts, menu include: the Thanksgiving Burger with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and roasted butternut squash; the Melt, which is basically a burger-cum-grilled cheese sandwich; the Portobello Mushroom Cap Burger (self-explanatory); and the "House Dog" (hot dog) prepared "dirty water style" (in Canada we prefer the cleaner term: boiled).
Most patties are topped with "Government Standard" American cheese (a.k.a. Kraft Singles), but there are other optional add-ons like white cheddar or blue cheese. Sides include tater tots, onion rings and beef chili.
But chances are the real draw will be the possibility of getting a little Wahlberg with your Wahlburger.
· Wahlberg Brothers Bring Burgers to Soho Metropolitan [Canadian Restaurant News]
· Wahlburgers at the SoHo Hotel: Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg Launch Toronto Outpost [Toronto Star]
· Wahlburgers [Official Site]